Arsenal has injury woes ahead of Man U game

Manchester United goes into Sunday's Premier League showdown with Arsenal boosted by yet another cup final appearance while the Gunners limp into the match with more injury woes.

United beat neighbor Manchester City 3-1 on Wednesday to set up a League Cup final against Aston Villa while Arsenal came out of its 0-0 draw at Aston Villa with injuries to defender Thomas Vermaelen and striker Eduardo da Silva.

With Chelsea back at the top, with a game in hand and facing a Burnley side which has dropped into the relegation zone, both United and Arsenal badly need the three points when they meet at the Emirates Stadium.

Chelsea regained the lead with a 3-0 victory over Birmingham on Wednesday and is a point ahead of United with Arsenal a further point behind.

That means Arsenal could wind up five points behind Chelsea and four behind United if the top two teams win. Then the Gunners have to face Chelsea and Liverpool in the league.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said Vermaelen was doubtful for Sunday's game and ruled out Eduardo. Vermaelen went off with a leg injury while Eduardo has a hamstring problem.

"There is no fracture in Thomas' leg but his injury still has to be assessed," Wenger said yesterday. "There is still a good chance he will not play on Sunday.